Basic desktop?

Help, please.

I have abandoned Ubuntu, due to the Unity desktop environment, and I am on the verge of doing the same with Kubuntu.

I want a desktop like the classic desktop of Unbuntu Lucid Lynx. A simple, basic, functional desktop without all the fancy frills that I have no use for. I have no use and no desire for all of the bells, whistles and fancy graphics of the desktops trying to imitate Mac and Windows. And trying to be a tablet. Meanwhile making basic tasks difficult if not impossible.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't want to stay with Lucid Lynx, despite how much I like it, because I still want to get the security updates, and program and system upgrades.

Any and all assistance appreciated.

Last edited by coffeecat; August 27th, 2013 at 08:38 PM.
Reason: please do not mis-spell Windows

Re: Basic desktop?

+1 Xubuntu. Actually you can add the Xfce desktop to Ubuntu and choose your desktop at login. Also there is Gnome Fallback (sometimes referred to as Classic) which has the old Gnome 2 look and feel. Xubuntu, though, is really nice.

Re: Basic desktop?

Originally Posted by Buntu Bunny

+1 Xubuntu. Actually you can add the Xfce desktop to Ubuntu and choose your desktop at login. ....

Since 13.10 isn't too far off, I would feel it's not a bad idea to install xubuntu-desktop and lubuntu-desktop so that you can log into Xubuntu or Lubuntu or Unity (Ubuntu). Test drive them for a while and then, when 13.10 is out, make a clean install of the one you like.

There are those who'll suggest installing something more minimal than xubuntu-desktop or lubuntu-desktop which is fine if you know what you're doing.

Re: Basic desktop?

Another +1 for Xubuntu. XFCE is by far my favorite DE. However, it's not what I'm using. I'm using Linux Mint 13 MATE. The MATE DE is a pretty near dead ringer for the old Gnome 2 DE you are familiar with. However, there is not a *buntu flavor that comes with it installed by default. Linux Mint, however, does.